Plants & Winter

The winter storm that poses the greatest danger to trees and shrubs is a heavy, wet snowfall followed by very cold temperatures and more snow. The result is a heavy accumulation on the crowns of trees and shrubs, which can cause stems to split and break.
How to Remove Snow
Snow removal on trees and shrubs should only be done while the snow is fresh; once it becomes frozen, trying to remove it can cause damage, such as broken branches.

To remove snow, gently brush it or shake it from the branches to lessen the accumulated weight caused by the heavy snow. It is best to tap the branches carefully with your hand rather than using a utensil, such as a broom or brush, which may cause breakage. Avoid using large amounts of de-icing salts around plants along sidewalks and driveways.